Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards was among those expressing shock at the sudden passing of former Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president and long regional football executive Gordon Derrick.

According to reports, Derrick passed away at the hospital on Sunday evening, in Miami, after suddenly complaining of feeling ill. He was 53.

Banks, who was also a general secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), served as president of the CFU between 2012 and 2017 but was prevented from contesting the presidency of CONCACAF in 2016 and later banned by the world football governing body FIFA.

The administrator was fondly remembered in his native Antigua for both his attitude and service to the sport.

“Let me take this opportunity to say condolences to the football fraternity and everything Banks would have been involved with, and also send my condolences to his family. It’s just some sad news today and I am going to agree with the rock group that sang ‘I don’t like Mondays’ because it’s a punch that hits you were it hurts, but let’s just keep our chins up,” Richards told the Antigua Observer.

In a statement, the ABFA also acknowledged his contribution.

“He gave his all to football and his vision for the sport in which the Caribbean is equal to all and subordinate to none, and he paid a great price. Still, neither his love for football nor his support for those of us still in the game waned. From chairman to cheerleader, his passion was unmuted and, perhaps, unmatched”.

“We express profound condolences to his wife, Wendy, and his children, Nazir and Gia, his siblings, Colin and Sandra, his DSC and friends, brotherhood, his extended family, and all who mourn his loss,” the FA’s statement read.